Bradford's Usman Ali knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle
Usman Ali, a long-serving advocate for social justice, was recognised at a ceremony at Windsor Castle for his work in equality, representation, and social mobility.
During the investiture, Mr Ali compassionately covered the King's hand during their handshake, an act explained by a spokesperson as follows: "[Mr Ali] was mindful of the King's well-documented medical condition, which can cause discomfort and swelling in the hands, and wished to shield His Majesty from potential close-up media scrutiny."
Mr Ali used the opportunity to thank King Charles for his support of Muslim communities, and in particular for hosting Ramadan at Windsor Castle earlier this year.
He told the King: "You won the hearts of billions of Muslims worldwide by hosting Ramadan at Windsor Castle this year - and the hearts of your Kingdom by the love you showed to Bradford, our City of Culture 2025."
Mr Ali was allowed to bring six family members to the ceremony, after having made a written request that South Asian family-centric traditions, and the cause of social mobility, be considered (Image: Supplied)
Mr Ali also praised the King's response to being heckled by college students during a recent visit, saying: "Your humility and patience touched the nation."
One aide noted that the King had "taken a real liking" to the Yorkshire champion.
Mr Ali was allowed to bring six family members - double the normal allowance - after writing to the palace to advocate for consideration of family-centric traditions in South Asian communities, and for the cause of social mobility.
He also asked for this compassionate exception to be considered for others from minority and working-class backgrounds going forward.
Mr Ali said: "For communities like ours, family isn't just support – it's survival."
He added: "This belongs to every child told they didn't belong, every parent who sacrificed in silence, and every community still waiting to be heard.
"I stood at Windsor for all of us."
A spokesperson said: "[Mr Ali's] recognition comes as a point of pride for Bradford and a signal that voices from all walks of life – including those who have faced poverty, disability, and exclusion – can shape Britain's national story.
"With his influence spanning justice, diversity, youth, and social mobility, Usman Ali MBE is now seen not only as a Bradford hero, but as a humanitarian voice for multicultural Britain."
Mr Ali has worked across multiple Ministry of Justice departments.
His work spans His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service, probation and prison reform, neurodiversity advocacy, youth justice, public protection (MAPPA), and international civil service inclusion networks.
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